Beck Andrew Salgadocan be reached at 512-568-4070or Bsalgado@gannett.com. In a statement to parents and community members, the Wauwatosa School District acknowledged the lawsuit and explained that it already hired a legal team but assured parents that education will continue to be the district's top priority going forward. Emotionally crushed. Doman resigned in Maybecause he said he received a threat against him and his family. This is Meiers third attempt to have the curriculum shut down. Mike is also involved in the community, from his years coaching various youth sports, which I had the pleasure of coaching with him for a couple of years, his dedication to the community and kids of Wauwatosa is admirable. Meier says he called the police because he did not know if Doman was referencing any other emails that could have been threatening. Hours Per Week: 36. Please remember our name as you will be hearing a lot more of us, and we are just getting started, said Jaime Michell, the founder of the group. One student who spoke was a teenwho detailed his experience realizing his biological makeup did not match how he felt. I am extremely honored and privileged to be joining the Underwood team, Abdelmawla stated. In an email to Superintendent Demond Means on Wednesday night, Doman wrote: "I received an email today that I can only perceive as a threat to the safety of myself and my family. Wauwatosa, WI On Monday, March 14, 2022, the Wauwatosa School District Board of Education approved Superintendent Dr. Demond Means' recommendation to appoint the following members of its leadership team: Mr. Tahir Abdelmawla, Underwood Elementary School Principal Mr. Keith Brightman, Chief Financial Officer Elsewhere in the district, individuals have been the subject of harassment. Another protest was organized by a group called Moms for Liberty, a national organization that has chapters throughout the country. I am most upset, frustrated and sad, however, that extremist groups, or even people external to the Wauwatosa School District are targeting our school board, said Amy White, a Wauwatosa parent. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration - Accounting from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, and obtained a Master of Science - Education (MSE) degree in Public Finance/School Business Management from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater. I believe our community can excel with a common ground approach, focused on all viewpoints from parents, teachers, and community members. In the lawsuit, Meier claims the board is controlled by a "faction.". I am invested in WSD and as a school board member I will promote thoughtful policy and compliance, the backbones of a well-functioning and effective board. Wisconsin law says a district can decide itselfwhether to provide instruction related to human growth and development. high schools named among "America's Most Challenging", Whitman Middle School STEM Team Competes, Wins Special Award at Future City Nationals Competition, Wauwatosa German Students Excel on National German Exam, BLOG: School Growth + Our Principal Heroes, Wauwatosa West Trojan Dance Team Defends State Championship Hip Hop Title at 2023 State Competition, Wauwatosa High School Students Display Talents, Receive Recognition for Visual Arts, School Board Meetings Live Video Stream - March 6, 2023, Family Infinite Campus Account Instructions, Blackboard Web Community Manager Privacy Policy (Updated). "This isnt someone got mad and threw a punch, these are beat downs that are happening," Meier said. Beck Andrew Salgadocan be reached atBsalgado@gannett.com. The update addresses anatomy, as students will learn how bodies change and grow.. The District followed a robust screening and interview process to ensure stakeholder voice was reflected in the final decision. She told FOX6 she needed his address to file a verified an open meetings complaint with the district attorney regarding the board's closed session discussion of public records. After attendeesexpressed frustration with the number of non-Wauwatosa people speaking, the board eventually stipulated that individuals couldonly comment if theylive in the Wauwatosa community or have a student who attends a Wauwatosa school. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Zachariah Anderson murder trial: Arguments over possible 2nd mistrial, Bayshore collapse a complete failure, former snow removal company says, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Milwaukee antique mall's 'racist' items draw criticism, Downtown Waukesha business owner raped, man charged gets $2M bond. Sign up now! In what has been a turbulent start to the school year, the Wauwatosa School District has already endured a variety of issues that include three fights in the first month of school, intense. Such feedback provided directly to the Wauwatosa School Board ( whose members email addresses and phone numbers can be found on the District's website here) is in reality the only way for such hyper-sexualized curriculum to be stopped. The curriculum's approval process proved that Wauwatosa is no exception to the rising toxicity in school board meetings as various meetings have been targeted, before and after the approval of the curriculum, by right-wing groups from outside communities such as Moms for Liberty and Gays Against Groomers. Theyre desperate for help," Meier said. He has proven success in building teams and strong, collaborative relationships; creating safe and inclusive environments for learning; and integrating technology and learning adaptation strategies into the educational environment. It's the latest move by Mike Meier in his efforts to stop the district from implementing the curriculum. To accommodate the larger-than-normal crowds, multiple rooms were opened. Ill work with all parties to come up with common-sense solutions that help our district flourish. The principal's email said the students involved will face discipline according to the district's disciplinary framework. He has served stakeholders in several southeastern Wisconsin districts including Milwaukee Public School District, Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District and, most recently, the School District of Waukesha. Dr. Means, who will begin serving the district on July 1, 2021, is an experienced and innovative educational leader with a passion for addressing achievement gaps, seeking continuous improvement and cultivating relationships to positively affect student learning. Mr. Pinion also completed the Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Program at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. The lawsuit also names past board president Steve Doman as a defendant. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. For questions or comments, contact WPRs Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. He has always been a good steward of Wauwatosa and is admired for his natural support and mentoring of our youth as an involved parent, respected coach, and good community neighbor. In the past few years, from wasteful spending to unethical relationships, our treasured school district has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Three seats, each with three-year terms. MetaSearch is intended for research, information and reference purposes only. Mr. Keith Brightman, Chief Financial Officer. Lubinsky also mentioned that in 25 years of practicing law she had never seen a situation where a member of a board sued that same board. During a special meeting to discuss the lawsuit on Monday, Lori Lubinsky, an attorney for the district, said the move by Meier to sue his own school board was unusual.. Mr. Brightman states, I have long recognized the Wauwatosa School District as one of the strongest in the state. Former board member Mary Jo Randall sent FOX6 the email she sent Doman Wednesday morning, asking for his home address. 2022-23 At a Glance Calendar; Engagement Sessions; Enrollment; Family Technology Helpdesk; School Board. Im asking for your vote to extend these passions to the students of the Wauwatosa School District. Mr. Kern received a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Illinois University, and a Masters of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. He is a veteran administrator who has a reputation for bringing people together and maintaining a gentle, encouraging presence. The lawsuit asks that the changes to the curriculum be rescinded because it alleges members of the board made changes to the policy on a shared Google account and not in a public meeting before the final vote on the curriculum. Should the need arise, we will work in partnership with the Wauwatosa Police Department to ensure the safety of all school board meeting attendees," the district said in an email. While it is true that Mr. Meier could have participated in the Google document, he believes that the participation in the Google document would have been a violation of the open meetings law, Cross said. Copyright 2002-2023 Blackboard, Inc. All rights reserved. Parents are rightfully concerned after seeing several videos of fights in Wauwatosa schools. FOX6 News reached out to all the other Wauwatosa School Board members and the superintendent. He was the only school board member to vote against the update in August. School Board Meetings Live Video Stream - Feb. 20, 2023; School Board Meeting Agendas & Policies; Canvas LMS. Tired of waiting, a Wisconsin island community is directing millions to create its own high-speed internet. Candidates participated in panel interviews with each team, which consisted of a candidate presentation followed by a question and answer session. Need to report an error? The lawsuit names Steve Doman and the Wauwatosa School Board as the defendants and claims five violations of Wisconsin open meetings laws that date as far back as December 2021. I am extremely honored and privileged to be joining the Underwood team, Abdelmawla stated. a spate of disciplinary issues while also seeing increased political tensions affect board members and teachers. After learning what FOX6 uncovered, the district put Bowers on leave, launched an investigation and called the police. 2023, Urban Milwaukee, Inc. All rights reserved. He also said the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has identified those standards as the foundation for school districtsdeveloping human growth and development curriculum, including teachings about gender identity. The district said the percentage of instructional time students will be taught the curriculum will range from 1 percent for high school students, to 0.2 percent for kindergarten students. In September, Meier filed two verified complaints that similarly claimed the district violated open meetings laws. A vote for me is a vote for accountability and an improved return on investment. "When updates become available, they will be provided by legal counsel in open session at public School Board meetings," the statement from Jessup-Anger read. In 2021, a FOX6 investigation revealed Wauwatosa administrator Kristin Bowers encouraged the school district to contract with AVID, her husband's employer. The claims. Two days later, he resigned. Follow himon Twitter at @Beck_Salgado. As of Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for Wauwatosa police says the department has not received a complaint from Doman about any threats. Keep updated on the latest news and information. Demond Means, the districts superintendent, said the curriculum was guided by theNational Sex Education Standards. Mrs. Zelazoski earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and completed the Human Resources Management Professional Development Program at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. Mike is an excellent choice to be a champion in our schools!. That same school board member is now calling for an independent investigation into the fighting. Ill bring these same skills to the table to help elevate our school district. His experience with the STEM program at Longfellow, in addition to his innate ability to connect with children, will serve him well in his role as Principal of Underwood Elementary School. Have questions? He was the only school board member to voteagainst the update in August. The committees strived to create a curriculum that would be acceptable to the whole community. has identified those standards as the foundation for school districts, Wisconsin law says a district can decide itself, Superior School Board upholds decision allowing gender identity to be taught to fifth graders, Wisconsin districts face backlash over plans to teach gender identity to elementary students. But Lubinsky added she believes a judge will dismiss the lawsuit. She served as the Director of School - Community Programs and Coordinator of Human Resources/Community Programs in Antigo before taking on the role of Executive Director of Human Capital at the Mequon-Thiensville School District, where she has served for more than eight years. For the first time in 10 years, the Wauwatosa School District has approved a new human growth anddevelopment curriculum, which will address controversial issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. The district and school board confirmed they've retained legal counsel to represent themselves in the matter. . Regarding the principalship, Mr. Kern states, I am honored to be joining Jefferson Elementary School. He coached with the program for 5 years. After a lengthy public comment period, various board members also expressed their concerns. In one instance in 2021, former school board president Doman decided to resign from the board after receiving an email that he said made him feel threatened. Changes to the curriculum in the Wauwatosa School District include teaching kids in kindergarten about gender roles, and lessons on gender identity for kids in the second grade. He coached with the program for 5 years. Meier told FOX6 News parents and staff have been calling since last year about fighting. "I ask you all to consider asking him to resign from the school board," she continued. Tired of seeing banner ads on Urban Milwaukee? I look forward to working collectively to support the students, staff, and community in continuing to make Wauwatosa a great place to learn, work, and live., Mr. Kern is an experienced principal with a demonstrated history of success in education. I look forward to building strong relationships, focusing on students, and creating systems for our staff and students to be successful!, Mrs. Zelazoski has more than 21 years of experience working in education, and more than 17 years of experience serving in a Human Resources role. It will be a continued honor to work with our educators, students, caregivers, and greater community to enhance students' learning experiences and achievement outcomes., Mr. Pinion brings to this role more than 18 years of expertise in supporting the physical, emotional and behavioral needs of others. Dr. Marble states, As a community member and parent of students in the Wauwatosa School District, I know that academic excellence for all students is a top priority. School Board Meetings Live Video Stream - Feb. 20, 2023; School Board Meeting Agendas & Policies; Canvas LMS. As a community, I know that we will continue to provide, of our students the enriching academic and social experience they deserve. The board eventually voted to split with AVID and Bowers, paying Bowers six figures to walk away in January 2022. MetaSearch Notice. I am excited to join such a well-respected, dynamic district and team. Because of this, we believe Mike will be a great addition to the Wauwatosa School Board and are proud to support him. The district and school board confirmed theyve retained legal counsel to represent themselves in the matter. The students in our district deserve the best education available, that's why we need a renewed focus on academics. Whether it be Mike's professional or personal life, he has a vested interest in making the Wauwatosa community, especially the schools, a place he wants to continue to flourish in a positive direction., As a long-time next-door neighbor turned family friend, we have known Mike and his family for over 17 years. In 2021, the district learned that it had not been reviewed in 10 years, so they decided to initiate a new review process. Mr. Abdelmawla received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. "They are doing things illegal, behind closed doors, that they dont want us to know about," one man said, referencing the school board's closed session open records conversation. Mr. Abdelmawla has more than six years of experience in educational leadership and classroom instruction. Learn more. He then served as Underfilling Assistant Principal before joining the Wauwatosa School District in 2020 as Associate Principal of Longfellow Middle School. There were beat downs, as one Wauwatosa school board member told FOX6 News. If you are an existing member, sign-in to leave a comment. The lawsuit alleges this violated open meeting laws because the board made public decisions in a closed setting. Membership, which includes a host of perks, including an ad-free website, tickets to marquee events like Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair and the Florentine Opera, a better photo browser and access to members-only, behind-the-scenes tours, starts at $9/month. Mr. Brightman is a Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations (SFO), and brings more than 20 years of robust financial experience to this role, having served in several districts in southeastern Wisconsin including the School District of Elmbrook and, most recently, Menomonee Falls. He also received an Endorsement for English as a Second Language from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. "While it is true that Mr. Meier could have participated in the Google document, he believes that the participation in the Google document would have been a violation of the open meetings law," Cross said. I am beyond excited to join a district with such a clear sense of community and commitment to all students, stated Mr. Pinion. A Wauwatosa school board member who hopes to rescind the district's updated human growth and development curriculum is now suing the school board he serves on, alleging the board broke open meeting laws while working on adoption of the curriculum. Search results are not intended as legal advice for you or your organization and are not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction. Committees strived to create its own high-speed internet downs that are happening, she. 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Community can excel with a common ground approach, focused on all viewpoints from parents, teachers, community. ; Canvas LMS various board members also expressed their concerns 1-800-747-7444, email @... From Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois common ground approach, focused on all viewpoints from,! Common ground approach, focused on all viewpoints from parents, teachers and. Mr. Kern states, i know that we will continue to provide, our! As Associate Principal of Longfellow Middle school against him and his family the. Meetings laws viewpoints from parents, teachers, and community members board members also expressed their.! Paying Bowers six figures to walk away in January 2022 to help elevate our school district to contract with and... A `` faction. `` `` i ask you all to consider asking him resign. And Bowers, paying Bowers six figures to walk away in January 2022 answer session a clear sense of and...
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